Oddone "Virtuoso" Ricci

The Nazarik Shadows:
Nazarik's unofficial criminal underground, loosely organized but deeply embedded in the city's infrastructure. They aren't a single gang but rather a loose confederation of thieves guilds, pickpocket rings, and black market operators who've reached an uneasy truce. They operate under a single rule: don't disrupt legitimate trade. As long as commerce flows, the city guard looks the other way. Push that boundary, and both the guard and the merchants turn against them simultaneously.
The Nazarik City Watch:
Nazarik's official law enforcement, perpetually underfunded and understaffed. They maintain a fragile, begrudging peace with the Shadows, choosing battles carefully. Corrupt members exist but aren't the majority. Most are simply pragmatic, focusing on violent crime and leaving petty theft to sort itself out. They are surprisingly effective when genuinely motivated, which usually requires significant bloodshed to achieve.
The Wesline Remnants:
Former residents of Wesline who escaped the Night Claw's takeover four years ago. Scattered across Iommola, primarily in Haal and Nazarik, they are united by grief and a burning desire to reclaim their home. Some have joined the Ironbond Guild seeking skills and connections. Others petition King and Queen Ricci for military intervention.

The Haalian Guard:
The professional military and law enforcement of the Kingdom of Haal. Rigidly disciplined and well-equipped, they are divided into three branches: the Wall Guard, who patrol Haal's massive fortifications; the Street Guard, who maintain order within the districts; and the Crown Shield, an elite unit personally responsible for the safety of King and Queen Ricci. Corruption within their ranks is dealt with swiftly and publicly.
The Protectors of Yorik:
Less a military force and more a dedicated order of Ice Mages and healers trained for defense. They prioritize protection over aggression, erecting barriers, freezing enemy advances, and evacuating civilians. Every Protector is also a trained healer, making them uniquely valuable both on and off the battlefield. Elder Ida holds significant influence within their leadership.
The Verath Militia:
Nelaco's rough and ready defense force. No uniforms, no rigid structure, just experienced mountain folk who know Mt. Verath better than anyone alive. They are fiercely territorial and surprisingly effective. Armed primarily with Nelacan-forged weapons, they are called upon only when Nelaco's walls are genuinely threatened.

The Night Claw:
A massive, disciplined bandit army that conquered Wesline four years ago. Led by a mysterious warlord known only as "Fang," they operate with military precision. They hold territory, collect taxes, and maintain supply lines. Control of the corrupted healing lake gives them leverage over those desperate enough to seek its remnants.
Moon Cultists:
Fanatical worshippers of the "Pale Mother." They believe magic users are stolen children of the moon, meant to be "returned" through ritual sacrifice. They target healers and mages, leaving crescent-marked corpses as warnings. Small, independent cells with no central leader. Yorik considers them a primary threat.
The Silver Road:
A merchant collective controlling main trade routes between Haal, Nazarik, and Nelaco. They offer protection, standardized currency exchange, and dispute resolution. Their caravans are well-armed and organized. Ostensibly legitimate, but rumors persist of smuggling operations and bribed officials.
The Ironbond Guild:
An association of bounty hunters operating across Iommola. They maintain a centralized board of contracts in Nazarik, with satellite offices in Haal and Nelaco. Members follow a strict code: no children, no pregnant women, and contracts must be verified. Those who break the code are hunted by their own. Some members are former soldiers; others are reformed criminals who found legal outlet for their skills.

Iommola is a continent defined by contrasts—ice and fire, order and chaos, healing and destruction. To the north rises the great Mt. Verath, its snow-capped peak visible for miles. At its summit sits Nelaco, the rowdy blacksmith village where forges burn day and night. A mile below, spread across the frozen plains, glows the Kingdom of Yorik with its shimmering ice architecture and healing practitioners.
South of the mountain, the land grows temperate. The Kingdom of Haal dominates the central region, its massive walls and disciplined guards a symbol of uncompromising order. King and Queen Ricci rule from here, their influence stretching across trade routes and political alliances. Further south still lies Nazarik, a chaotic trade city of legitimate commerce and shadowy dealings.
To the east sits the scar of Iommola—Wesline. Once a pilgrimage site for its healing lake, it now stands as a fortress of the Night Claw. The waters are poisoned, the streets belong to bandits.

The Kingdom of Haal stands as the preeminent power in the realm, a sprawling, meticulously organized metropolis that serves as the heart of civilization and commerce. Ruled with a firm but just hand by King and Queen Ricci, Haal is a testament to order, prosperity, and formidable strength. It is by far the largest kingdom, its sheer scale awe-inspiring to visitors and a source of deep pride for its citizens.
Haal is thoughtfully divided into distinct, sprawling districts. The Trading District is a colossal, bustling hub of commerce that dwarfs even Nazarik's markets, featuring grand merchant houses and international trade guilds. The Working District hums with industry, housing specialized artisans, massive granaries, and the infrastructure that keeps the kingdom running. The Home Districts vary from the opulent estates of the nobility near the castle to the sturdy, well-maintained row houses of the common folk.
The kingdom is heavily fortified, enclosed by towering, impregnable stone walls that are constantly patrolled. However, Haal is not isolated; its massive gates remain open during the day to welcome traders, diplomats, and travelers, fostering its position as a global hub.
The security of Haal is maintained by the Haalian Guard—a highly disciplined, well-equipped, and strictly professional force. There is no tolerance for corruption or incompetence among their ranks; they are known throughout the land as "no-bullshit" enforcers of the law.

Royalty:
King Lorenzo Ricci: a heavyset black rabbit, Lorenzo is a better king than he is a dad. he's a bit power-hungry, but doesn't let it get to his head..... most of the time.
Queen Wendy: Wendy is a full white rabbit who is more of a mother than a queen, who just wants a quiet life with her family.
Prince Kila: Kila is the next heir of the throne, since his brother Oddone went "missing." He doesn't believe that. he is a light grey rabbit. he is 14.

Once known as the "Jewel of the Healing Waters," Wesline was a prosperous and idyllic village nestled in a verdant valley. Its most prized possession was a magnificent, crystalline lake, said to be blessed by ancient magic, whose waters possessed miraculous healing properties. Pilgrims and the sick would travel from miles around to bathe in the lake, and the village thrived on the influx of visitors, offering specialized care, comfortable inns, and a peaceful atmosphere.
However, Wesline's prosperity and the allure of its healing lake drew the attention of the Night Claw, a massive, highly coordinated, and ruthless bandit organization. Four years ago, the Night Claw launched a devastating, surprise attack on the village. Overwhelmed by sheer numbers and brutal tactics, Wesline's defenders were quickly defeated. The bandits didn't just raid the village; they conquered it.
Today, Wesline is a grim reflection of its former self. The Night Claw has transformed the once-peaceful settlement into a heavily fortified stronghold. The charming homes and inns have been crudely reinforced, serving as barracks and storehouses for the bandit army. The streets, once filled with the gentle murmur of healing chants, now echo with the harsh laughter of criminals and the clatter of stolen weapons.
The most tragic casualty of the attack is the healing lake itself. The Night Claw, showing no reverence for the sacred waters, used it as a dumping ground. The once-crystalline surface is now choked with ash, debris, and the rotting corpses of those who dared to resist.

Leaders:
Fang: a gnarly wolf, once a Lawbringer of Haal, now runs the Night Claw. he wears heavy steel plate and carries a bardiche.
Hush: Once a moon cultist, this grey rabbit wears a black cloak and a metal mask, teaching the worthy Night Claw dark magic.
Ophelia: A tall, slim fox who dabbles in assassin work. she is not one to be hunted by, as she is silent and deadly. she wears light leather gear.

Nazarik is a bustling, vibrant, and slightly dangerous trade city, serving as a vital crossroads for merchants, travelers, and opportunists from across the realm. While it doesn't boast the sheer size or imposing grandeur of the Kingdom of Haal, Nazarik makes up for it with its chaotic energy and unparalleled commercial diversity. It’s a city where fortunes can be made or lost in a single afternoon.
The heart of Nazarik is its sprawling trading and shopping district. Here, the streets are a labyrinth of colorful tents, semi-permanent stalls, and sturdy stone shops packed tightly together. The air is a cacophony of haggling merchants, shouting criers, and the exotic scents of spices, perfumes, and roasting meats. You can find almost anything in Nazarik, from rare Yorikan medicinal herbs and sturdy Nelacan steel to more.. questionable goods hidden in the shadows.
The city is dotted with numerous taverns and inns, ranging from luxurious establishments catering to wealthy merchants to dingy, smoke-filled holes-in-the-wall where shady deals are struck over watered-down ale. Nazarik is a city that never truly sleeps; the clamor of commerce and the lively nightlife bleed into each other seamlessly.
However, Nazarik's vibrant atmosphere comes with a distinct edge of danger. It's a city where one must always keep a hand on their coin purse. The narrow alleys and crowded markets are hunting grounds for skilled pickpockets, grifters, and organized thieves' guilds. While the local guard maintains a semblance of order, they are often overwhelmed, or sometimes, easily bribed.

Royalty:
King Syvv III: A very tired and grouchy fox, Syvv knows what his city is, and has no way of controlling it.
Queen Selina: Selina, being a happy and cheerful doe, does her best to maintain order in her city, but it's difficult when you're husband is so... lazy.
Prince Vinn: Vin, being the only child, is a fox with antlers. he's about 16, and hates being royalty. Ugh, teenagers.

The Village of Nelaco
Perched precariously atop the rugged peaks of Mt. Verath, a mile above the tranquil Kingdom of Yorik, lies the village of Nelaco. A stark contrast to the serene, icy elegance of its neighbor below, Nelaco is a bustling, rowdy, and industrious settlement built directly into the mountain's flattened summit. The very air here is thick with the scent of coal smoke, hot iron, and the rhythmic, booming chorus of hammers striking anvils.
Nelaco is renowned throughout the realm as a premier blacksmithing hub. Its landscape is dominated by dozens of forges, their chimneys constantly belching thick, dark smoke into the crisp mountain air. The glow of molten metal paints the village in a warm, fiery orange, especially striking against the snowy backdrop of the surrounding peaks. High, sturdy walls of rough-hewn stone encircle the settlement, providing protection from the harsh elements and potential threats, though the Nelacans are generally known to be fiercely independent and capable of defending themselves.
The village is a chaotic yet organized maze of sturdy, practical stone homes built to withstand the mountain's fierce winds. At the heart of Nelaco sits its massive tavern, a boisterous, welcoming haven where blacksmiths, traders, and travelers gather to share stories, strong ale, and hearty meals after a long day of labor. Despite their rough exterior and loud, raucous nature, the people of Nelaco are known for their friendliness and robust hospitality.
While fiercely independent and proud of their self-sufficiency, Nelaco maintains vital trade routes with neighboring powers.

Elders:
Adrian: A Pandakin, big, no bullshit attitude, one of the best, the youngest of the three at 27.
Finn: the oldest at 61, a rough looking lion who IS the best. the first Elder.
Jali: A proud black panther at 35, Jali is who keeps the rowdiness in check. she's stern, but has a sense of humor.

The City of Yorik
Nestled in the vast, frost-kissed plains below the towering Mt. Verath, the City of Yorik stands as a beacon of serenity and resilience in the frozen expanse. Located roughly a mile from the mountain's base, where the neighboring village of Nelaco perches high among the rocky peaks, Yorik sprawls across the snowy lowlands in a breathtaking display of ice-hewn architecture and quiet, enduring strength.
The city's structures are carved from packed snow and enchanted ice, reinforced by generations of Ice Mages who pour their magic into every wall, archway, and spiraling tower. Buildings shimmer with a pale blue luminescence, casting a soft, ethereal glow across the snow-covered streets even during the darkest winter nights. Massive ice bridges connect districts over frozen rivers, and crystalline domes house gardens of frost-resistant herbs and medicinal plants, vital to Yorik's renowned healing practices.
Yorik is governed by a council of Elders, wise magic users who prioritize balance, compassion, and the preservation of life.

Elders:
Elder Ida: She is a pure white cat in full white robes adorned with gold. quiet and kind.
Elder Frost: An extremely stern and usually annoyed snow leopard, Frost is the head of the elders. he wears royal blue robes with gold accents.
Elder Uriel: A warm and happy polar bear, Uriel works on training the novice mages to be something great. he wears full blue robes with gold chains on his belt.

Being born into the Ricci Family, Oddone had an easy upbringing. he had servants bring what he needed, the best education in the lands, and a powerful family. but, none of that satiated the burning desire to explore. He watched Captain Enzo spar and teach his soldiers, learned Fencing from Madam Ricci, even after being scolded for it.

Fast forward to two years ago, King Ricci wanted to make peace with a kingdom outside of Iommola. many disliked this, and yet King Ricci continued to try. He offered up Oddone, as a husband to their daughter.

When Oddone wouldn't comply, Lorenzo ordered Oddone to be held, and later executed in secret. While Oddone was in yhe holding cell underground, Wesley Rynn found him and, risking himself, freed Oddone.

Oddone took this chance and took the three weapons displayed in the Halls of Haal's Castle before hitting the road as fast as he could. he sprinted until he couldn't anymore, collapsing on the road between Nazarik and Nelaco.

Adrian, upon making a trip to Nazarik, luckily found Oddone and brought him back to Nelaco. He and his wife took care of him until he woke. When Oddone explained what was going on, Adrian decided to take him in, more as a mentor and less as a father. but he didn't mind being called such.

Adrian made Oddone his armor, and Oddone decided to join the Ironbond, wanting to do something with what abilities he had.

Oddone's armor consists of a cuirass and plackart, fauld, a cuisse on his left thigh, light pauldrons and gauntlets, knee high leather boots, and a wide brimmed hat, as well as his under clothes, he is protected but not weighed down. his armor is light, keeping him much more mobile.
The armor itself is a worn but polished black while the clothes underneath were a deep crimson, as well as the sash around his waist.
The wide brimmed hat can be switched out for a pig-faced bascinet helmet that matches his armor.

under all of that armor, Oddone is an anthropomorphic bunny with grey fur. he has a white heart pattern on his chest. his eyes are purple, and his hair is long and curly. his body is slightly curvy, and he can be easily mistaken for a woman. perfect for blending into the crowd. his long ears are constantly perked up through the hat, standing at attention.

He stands at 5'11, and twenty-three.

Being, again, from royalty, Oddone holds his chin up high. he is confident, but not arrogant in his work. He is merciful, when the opponent deserves it.

Taking after Madam Ricci, Oddone is a showman in his fighting. he shows off, he taunts, he makes a battlefield his very own dancing floor. Even with his fighting style, he is not cruel in the fighting, unless, again, the opponent deserves it.

outside of combat, Oddone is helpful. he is cheerful, and friendly, and can't help himself but join when there's a celebration. he can bring a smile to the coldest face, and he prides himself on that.

Likes: Meeting other adventurers, Hunting bounties, bringing bad people to justice, watching magic users work, Autumn, apples, Nelaco.

Loves: Winter, fair merchants, Adrian (Since he became a father figure in Oddone's life), sparring with other fighters(lightheartedly), watching graviturgy users work.

Dislikes: Coffee, weapon cleaning(he still does this, since a good weapon can mean the difference between life and death), carrots(ironically), being overcharged, people using his own tactics against him.

Hates: Mentions of the Kingdom of Haal, entering said kingdom, his family(other than Kila, since he has done no wrong), bitter foods, archers and crossbowmen.

Elusive Evasion: Taught and handed down by Madam Ricci before she passed, E.E. is an ability Oddone can use immediately after an attack. any attack for a short time throan at him, he can dodge while standing still. during this, he has a pink outline.

Taunting Stance: Being a form of vicious mockery taught to him by a wandering merchant, Taunting Stance can be used during E.E. Instead of damaging with words, it angers even the calmest. Anger makes sloppy mistakes. Oddone uses this to his advantage.

Being from a family of royalty, Oddone is quite intelligent when it comes to book smarts. he was taught within the castle by a royal tutor, known as Wesley Rynn. Wesley, seeing Oddone's predicament, actually helped him escape. He was (surprisingly) never caught for this. the royal family still believes him innocent.

On the battlefield, being taught/watching battles by Madam Ricci and Captain Enzo, Oddone can read a fight and know how to finish it. he targets weak points, goads angered attacks and uses whatever advantage to turn the fight in his favor.

(Mention: Wesley Rynn is a short fox wearing a long undertunic, a houppelande, a simple cloak, and a flat cap. He is kind and knowledgeable.)

Oddone is armed with three different weapons:

A custom made Swept Hilt Rapier, wielded by Madam Ricci. it has gold engravings, a deep red wrap around the handle.

a Swiss Sabre across his back, carried by the legendary bounty hunter, Dante Ricci. He was the creator of the Ironbond Guild.

a Misericorde rests on his belt, right above his tail. it was carried by Captain Enzo Ricci, the founder of the current Haalian Guard. He died in the battle for Wesline.

Oddone stole all three before he escaped.

This story takes place in a world known as Iommola. It's a medieval fantasy world with some technical advancements, like steam power (quite rare, but it exists), magic based power and so on. Anthropomorphic animals dominate most of the population.
the location of the start of the story is Nelaco, within the main halls.